This minireview discusses the biodegradation of high-molecular-weight (HMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by bacteria. PAHs are a class of organic compounds with three or more fused aromatic rings, and their environmental persistence is influenced by molecular size and structure. HMW PAHs, such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are particularly concerning due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. Recent research has advanced understanding of bacterial biodegradation of HMW PAHs, including the identification of key bacterial strains capable of degrading these compounds. PAHs are found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and their degradation is influenced by factors such as molecular size, structure, and environmental conditions. Bacteria play a crucial role in PAH biodegradation through enzymatic pathways that break down PAHs into simpler compounds, some of which may be mineralized to CO₂. Key bacterial strains, such as Mycobacterium sp. and Sphingomonas yanoikuyae, have been identified as effective degraders of HMW PAHs, including fluoranthene, pyrene, and BaP. Research has shown that the biodegradation of HMW PAHs involves complex biochemical pathways, including ring oxidation and fission. These processes are often enhanced by the presence of surfactants or other cosubstrates. Additionally, the biodegradation of PAHs in mixed cultures and the interactions between different bacterial species are important areas of study. Recent advances in molecular biology have enabled the identification of PAH-degrading bacteria and the characterization of their metabolic pathways. Despite progress, there is still a need for further research into the regulatory mechanisms of PAH biodegradation, the biodegradation of PAHs in complex environmental mixtures, and the microbial interactions within PAH-degrading consortia. Understanding these processes is essential for developing effective bioremediation strategies to address PAH contamination in the environment.This minireview discusses the biodegradation of high-molecular-weight (HMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by bacteria. PAHs are a class of organic compounds with three or more fused aromatic rings, and their environmental persistence is influenced by molecular size and structure. HMW PAHs, such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are particularly concerning due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. Recent research has advanced understanding of bacterial biodegradation of HMW PAHs, including the identification of key bacterial strains capable of degrading these compounds. PAHs are found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and their degradation is influenced by factors such as molecular size, structure, and environmental conditions. Bacteria play a crucial role in PAH biodegradation through enzymatic pathways that break down PAHs into simpler compounds, some of which may be mineralized to CO₂. Key bacterial strains, such as Mycobacterium sp. and Sphingomonas yanoikuyae, have been identified as effective degraders of HMW PAHs, including fluoranthene, pyrene, and BaP. Research has shown that the biodegradation of HMW PAHs involves complex biochemical pathways, including ring oxidation and fission. These processes are often enhanced by the presence of surfactants or other cosubstrates. Additionally, the biodegradation of PAHs in mixed cultures and the interactions between different bacterial species are important areas of study. Recent advances in molecular biology have enabled the identification of PAH-degrading bacteria and the characterization of their metabolic pathways. Despite progress, there is still a need for further research into the regulatory mechanisms of PAH biodegradation, the biodegradation of PAHs in complex environmental mixtures, and the microbial interactions within PAH-degrading consortia. Understanding these processes is essential for developing effective bioremediation strategies to address PAH contamination in the environment.